Simmons & Associates and the Simmons Educational Fund (SEF) is proud to offer veterinary students the opportunity to compete for the SEF National Business Aptitude Award. The winner will be selected from among the submissions in response to the SEF Business Case Study.
ELIGIBILITY
• Current VBMA member is strongly encouraged.
• A veterinary student graduating after January 2026 (ex. 1st through 3rd year students)
• Not a previous winner
AWARD
In addition to the prestige of being a nationally-recognized award recipient, the winner of the national award will also receive the following:
• $35,000 (there will also be a $15K award given for 2nd place and up to five $5K awards of merit)
• National award plaque
• A trip to the 2026 National VBMA conference to receive the award. This includes:
- Tuition to the conference if required
- Round trip coach airfare
- Lodging at one of the host hotels (up to 3 nights)
- A per diem to help cover cost of food and other incidentals
HOW TO APPLY
The recipient of the national award will be selected by an awards committee from the Simmons Educational Fund and will be based upon the submission of the required materials. These include:
- Professional-quality résumé
- Diagnose potential problems and provide solutions to a real-life business case study.
DEADLINE
The deadline for the submission is September 30, 2025 and should be submitted to:
Simmons Educational Fund Awards Committee
ATTN: David F. King, DVM, CVA
1083 Wilson Rd
Whitewright, TX 75491
SEF has donated more than $4 Million for veterinary education through sponsorships and awards. We are committed to improving veterinary business education to meet the needs of today's and tomorrow's practicing veterinarians. This award recognizes the future veterinarian with the business aptitude to succeed in this profession.